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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Monica G. Aufrecht
PHIL 115
Seattle Campus

Practical Reasoning

Introduction to logic emphasizing concepts and methods useful for practical analysis of arguments in everyday contexts; meaning, syllogisms, logical diagrams, inductive and statistical inference, informal fallacies, argument structure, perhaps some beginning symbolic logic. Offered: AWSpS.

Class description

This course is an introduction to logical reasoning emphasizing concepts and methods useful for practical analysis of arguments in everyday contexts. We will learn about argument structure, meaning, informal fallacies, inductive reasoning, causation, probabilities, and statistical inference.

Student learning goals

Be able to identify arguments, and to distinguish between strong and weak arguments, as well as between valid and invalid arguments. Be able to articulate what makes an argument weak and how someone could improve it.

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

Success in this course requires sustained grappling with the ideas through consistent in-class participation, careful reading, frequent homework problems, and regular quizzes. There is no final exam; instead the work is evenly spread across the term.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Monica G. Aufrecht
Date: 05/30/2009